Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You
Slide Nr 1While we can’t always spin the globe and hop on a plane to whatever exotic destination our finger lands upon, that’s no reason to put travel plans off to some distant point in the future. You’d be surprised at how many wonderful places worthy of discovery are located within just a few hours from home — no matter where home is in the world.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 2From London: Discovering English Wines — Think you need to head across the channel for a proper vineyard getaway? Think again. In recent decades, grape growing and wine production has been scaling up throughout Sussex, Hampshire and Kent, and the fruits of the vine have even on occasion bested French sparkling wines in blind tastings. Makers including Chapel Down, Ridgeview, Hattingley Valley and Nyetimber — all within a couple of hours of London — are open for tours and tastings, with advance booking. Plan for an overnight at a historic inn, such as the Spread Eagle Hotel in West Sussex.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 3From London: Harbourfront Delights In Cardiff — Located just 2 hours from London by train, there’s no better time of year to visit the Welsh capital than in summer, when the eateries lining Mermaid Quay set up their patios, and Cardiff Bay hums with water sports activities. Kicking off the city’s busy line-up of summer events, the Volvo Ocean Race fleet stops by in June, marking the first time the prestigious around-the-world race will visit the UK in 12 years. Other highlights include the Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival (July) and the Cardiff Harbour Festival (August). [Photo: Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival © VisitCardiff]
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 5From New York City: Take The Train To Catch A Game — Summertime in the US is synonymous with baseball, that all-American sport which is often as much about enjoying an evening outdoors at the ballpark as it is about the action on the field. Tickets to a weekend game in Baltimore are the perfect excuse to hop on the train south from New York City for a few days of delicious eats in Charm City. Pregame with the city’s best crab cakes at Faidley’s in Lexington Market, but save room for stadium fare, including local ’cue from Boog’s Barbecue.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 6From New York City: Surf, Swim, Chill, Repeat — More or less known as the anti-Hamptons, once-sleepy Montauk has become the go-to weekend destination for New Yorkers seeking laid-back vibes, a cool weekend scene and beaches aplenty. Located at the far eastern end of Long Island, about 3 hours by train from New York City, Montauk is an ideal destination to unplug and play. Stay in the heart of the action at Montauk Beach House or just out of town at Gurney’s Montauk, a splurge-worthy beachfront resort that also features a saltwater pool.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 7From New York City: Upstate Road Trip — A few hours’ drive from New York City leads to such artful and eclectic destinations as Woodstock and Sharon Springs, New York. Made famous by the 1969 music festival of the same name, Woodstock today is an artist’s haven full of galleries, farm-to-table restaurants (Silvia even lists the farmers they work with) and, yes, plenty of peace, love and tie-dye. Sharon Springs, a once-forgotten Victorian-era spa town, now features a delightfully strollable Main Street anchored by Beekman 1802 Mercantile and 204 Main Bistro, among other gems.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 8From Hong Kong: All That Glitters — Less than an hour away from Hong Kong by high-speed ferry, Macau is to China what Las Vegas is to the United States: a gambling-fuelled fantasy land with plenty of non-casino draws, too, including such theatrical extravaganzas as The House of Dancing Water by Franco Dragone of Cirque du Soleil fame. A getaway to Macau wouldn’t be complete without trying your hand at baccarat at the world’s largest casino, The Venetian Macao, and also queuing for custard egg tarts at the original Lord Stow’s Bakery.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 9From Hong Kong: Oasis Of Serenity On Hainan Island — There’s no such thing as a bad room in the house when every room on the property is guaranteed to have ocean views, as is the case at The Sayana Edition, one of the most stylish resorts to open on China’s southernmost province in recent years. More than 10 million gallons of saltwater from the South China Sea feed The Edition’s Private Ocean, which is bordered by a crescent-shaped beach and coconut palms. Daily flights connect Hong Kong and Sayana — your ticket to a weekend in paradise.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 10From Hong Kong: Feast On This — The blogosphere has long been buzzing about the food scene in Taiwan’s capital, and this spring Michelin joined in, unveiling its first Michelin Guide Taipei. Awarding stars to 20 restaurants, bestowing the Bib Gourmand distinction (an excellent meal for under TWD1,500) to an additional three dozen venues and spotlighting a total of 110 destinations — including 5 street food vendors at Taipei’s legendary Raohe Street Night Market — it’s never been easier to plot a weekend of good eats in this delicious metropolis. So pack light, and come hungry.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 11From Tokyo: Mt. Fuji As Muse — Home to that most famous of Japanese landmarks, Mt. Fuji, the scenic landscapes of Yamanashi Prefecture sometimes look as if plucked from a painting — and in fact, many an artist has been inspired by the Fuji 5 Lakes region, just 90 minutes by train from Tokyo. Looking to scale the mighty mount? Sunrise summit hikes depart at night from the 5th Station, a popular destination even if you don’t plan on making the ascent. For a room with a view, stay at one of the hot springs hotels on Kawaguchiko Lake.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 12From Tokyo: Travel Back In Time — You might arrive by bullet train in a mere 2 hours from Tokyo, but a weekend getaway to Kanazawa feels much more transportive. The capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture is home to rich cultural treasures from the Edo Period, including the Nagamachi Samurai Residences District, a beautifully preserved historic district, and the nearly 30-acre Kenrokuen Garden. Considered one of three great gardens in Japan, it took more than 100 years to shape and cultivate; a museum dedicated to traditional crafts from the prefecture is located adjacent. [Photo: Kenrokuen Garden via Happy Come/Flickr]
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 13From Tokyo: Sacred Site In The Mountains — Located close to 80 miles (125 km) north of Tokyo and accessible by rail, bus or car, Nikko National Park in the Tochigi Prefecture is worthy of a weekend pilgrimage both for its rugged natural splendor and to visit the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set amid old-growth forests. Together, Rinno-ji Temple, Futarasan Shrine and Toshogu Shrine have more than 100 buildings; start your exploration with the Toshogu Shrine, which is one of Japan’s most architecturally and historically important shines. [Photo: かがみ～/Flickr]
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 14From Sydney: A Breath Of Fresh Air — Located just 90 minutes from Sydney by car (and only slightly longer by train) the Blue Mountains of New South Wales offer everything urbanites sometimes crave – which is to say a place for reflection and solitude, as well as vast vistas with few signs of civilisation in sight. While you have your choice of lodges and boutique hotels, it’s worth checking out Airbnb’s Blue Mountains Listings, which include treehouses, farm stays, glamping options and private cabins and bungalows with loads of charm.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 15From Sydney: Southbound On Grand Pacific Drive — There are few better ways to kick off a weekend getaway than with a scenic drive, and Australia’s Grand Pacific Drive ticks all of the right boxes. Heading south from Royal National Park on the outskirts of Sydney, the route hugs the curves of the coastline of New South Wales for close to 90 miles (140 km). Past the midway point, the coastal towns of Kiama and Gerringong are worthwhile stopovers or destinations themselves, set amid farmlands and vineyards with sparkling ocean views.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 16From Sydney: Grapes & Gastronomy — North and east from Sydney on the western side of the Blue Mountains, the town of Mudgee anchors the third largest grape-producing region in all of New South Wales, one that dates back to the 1850s. Fast-forward to present day, and you’ll find a culinary scene on par with the region’s award-winning wines, with offerings including the Zin House and Pipeclay Pumphouse. Before you go, check to see if any food festivals or farmer’s markets may be happening in Mudgee or neighbouring towns and villages. [Photo: Pipeclay Pumphouse]
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 17From Johannesburg: Limpopo Bush Break — While it is possible to visit Kruger National Park for the weekend, realistically you’ll be driving upwards of 4 to 5.5 hours each way. Save Kruger for when you can actually spend 3, 4 or more nights in the bush, because there are plenty of other options in Limpopo province that are more manageable for a quick getaway, such as Monate Game Lodge. Located on a private game reserve only 2 hours from Joburg, the lodge is currently offering a 2-night, all-inclusive Winter Getaway Special (June-August) for R2380 (€162) per person.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 18From Johannesburg: Eco-Escape For Every Budget — Encompassing more than 200 square miles (550 km²) of protected land in a transition zone between the Kalahari desert and the Bushveld plains, Pilanesberg National Park is perennially popular for its abundance and variety of wildlife, which includes all of the Big Five and more than a dozen other larger mammals, along with hundreds of bird species and diverse flora. Around 3 hours northwest of Johannesburg by car, Pilanesberg is an easy weekend getaway with lodging options that range from rustic safari tents to the luxe suites of the Black Rhino Game Lodge. [Photo: kklay/Flickr]
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 19From Johannesburg: Ship Off For The Vaal — While Joburg might be landlocked, that doesn’t mean residents are without options for a weekend of R&R out on the water. Not even an hour’s drive south, the Vaal River affords numerous opportunities for weekend houseboat rentals and pleasure cruises, too. A self-catered option, Sunset Houseboats comfortably accommodate 2 to 4 guests (up to a family of 5), while Vaal River operators Liquid Living can arrange every detail for day-long or multi-day houseboat cruises for an intimate friends group and/or family getaway. [Photo: Paul Saad/Flickr]
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 20From Mexico City: Leisure By The Lake — From the shores of Lake Avándaro, Valle de Bravo‘s villages spread outwards and upwards, stopping abruptly when the mountainous terrain becomes too steep to build any further. This picturesque pueblo mágico is to Mexico City residents what the towns of Italy’s Northern Lakes region are to Milan residents — relaxation, spectacular nature and water sports — only at a fraction of the price. A suite at the 5-star El Santuario Resort & Spa can be had for well under €200 a night. [Photo: El Santuario Resort & Spa]
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 21From Mexico City: Culture, Crafts & Cobblestones — With its Neo-Gothic cathedral, cobblestoned lanes and colourful baroque architecture, it’s easy to see why San Miguel de Allende is considered one of the prettiest towns in all of Mexico – and its cultural draws are equally as vibrant. Highlights include Fabrica la Aurora, a former textile mill that’s been transformed into an artist’s haven, with galleries, studios and cafés, as well as a robust Artisan’s Market that sells all sorts of handicrafts. A busy annual calendar of events includes the Dia de los Locos parade and a Jazz & Blues Festival.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 22From Mexico City: Sleepover At A Firefly Sanctuary — Between June and August, around 100,000 visitors annually make the trek to Tlaxcala, an hour and a half drive from Mexico City, to see the firefly sanctuary (santuario de las luciérnagas) of Nanacamilpa. The popularity of the twilight phenomenon has sparked a boom in eco-tourism for the region, a mix of forests and farmland that’s nearly 10,000 feet (2,800 metres) above sea level. Eco-hotel and tour operator Piedra Canteada, the rustic Piedra Canteada Hotel and all-inclusive Hacienda Ixtafiayuca are among your options for an overnight stay.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 23From Lima: Pisco, Vino & Sand Dunes — While it’s a bit of a long haul, the leisure pursuits waiting for you on the other side of the 4-hour drive south from Lima to Ica are worth it. One option is to stay in Huacachina, a palm-fringed desert oasis with plenty of budget and backpacker stays, such as the popular El Huacachinero (it’s worth a visit for the Instagram shot alone). Alternatively, check in at Hotel Vinas Queirolo, an oasis of a different sort set in vineyards almost as far as the eye can see.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 24From Lima: The Best Of Both Worlds — Located on the coast 3.5 hours south of Lima, Paracas is home to some exceptional resorts, including Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, and the Aranwa Paracas Resort & Spa. But mere miles out of town (or offshore), any semblance of civilisation gives way to the Paracas National Reserve, where nature reigns supreme. Local tour organisers can take you deep into the reserve as well as on boat trips around the Ballestas Islands, which are home to colonies of sea lions, penguins and thousands of seabirds.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 26From Vancouver: Pemberton Bound — Heading north out of Vancouver on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, you’ll be tempted to stop a few times, both for the views and because it will feel strange to drive past the turns for Squamish Valley and Whistler. Located in a verdant mountain valley just 22 miles (35 km) further up the road, Pemberton feels like a remote mountain town, but in fact it’s an outdoor recreation paradise. Rafting, kayaking, jet boat tours, golfing, fishing, cycling, camping, hiking, horseback riding — you name it and you can find it here.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 27From Vancouver: Victoria Calling — With its scenic harbour views, British colonial architecture and profusion of flowers and well-tended greenery — British Columbia’s capital is known as the Garden City, after all — Victoria is an inviting getaway destination in and of itself, accessible from Vancouver by bus or car plus a 90-minute ferry ride. A leisurely weekend in town might be spent strolling the Butchart Gardens and taking afternoon tea at the historic and genteel Fairmont Empress, which overlooks the inner harbour. Alternatively, Victoria is an ideal departure point for some of Vancouver Island’s more rugged adventures. [Photo: Dale Musselman/Flickr]
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 28From Vancouver: BC’s Wine Country — Sun-kissed rows of grape vines are a common sight on the gently sloping hillsides of Okanagan Lake, which slices through the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley for 84 miles (135 km), creating fertile wine-growing microclimates along its shores. Located about 4 hours from Vancouver by car, this wine-growing region might just be one of North America’s best-kept secrets — all the more reason to make plans now for a discovery getaway, with a Peachland Airbnb your home away from home for the weekend.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 29From Paris: Chateaux & Histoire — Known as the gateway to the Loire Valley and perfectly positioned for day trips to many of the Loire Chateaux, charming Tours is worth discovering, too. Just an hour from Paris on the TGV, Place Plumereau anchors one of Europe’s largest protected historic districts, where half-timbered houses and stately facçades preside over bustling sidewalk cafes, restaurants and shops. Nearby you’ll also find such treasures as the Musée de Compagnonnage, housed in a former Benedectine Abbey; the Musée de Beaux-Arts, which occupies an 18th-century palace; and the imposing Tours Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece.
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Weekend Escapes
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Slide Nr 30From Paris: Paris By the Seashore — A Belle Époque resort town built around one of Normandy’s finest stretches of sand, Deauville is the closest beach getaway for Parisians looking to escape the city in the summer. Depending on weekend traffic, the drive can take 2 to 3 hours, and public transport takes about as long, with a few transfers. Once you’ve arrived, however, all of Deauville’s leisure pursuits — including its grand casino and elegant hotels, the horse racing track and the wide beachfront promenade with vintage bathing cabins named after Hollywood stars — are all just an amble away.
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Weekend Escapes
Take Your Pick: Find the Right Weekend Break for You.
Slide Nr 31From Paris: Live Your Champagne Dreams — Don’t think a weekend in France’s Champagne region has to bust your travel budget. Only an hour from Paris, Reims is home base for a number of half-day excursions in the range of €40-€90, including bike tours and delectable Champagne pairings. A G.H. Mumm Cellar Tour (€20) as well as a morning tour to Veuve Clicquot (€50) are among the offerings from Viator. And while you’ll have to arrange transportation to get there, admission to the Musée de la Vigne et du Vin is just €12 and includes three coupes de Champagne.
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